German frigates F125 will receive IRIS-T SLM Naval missiles

Deutsche Marine plans to strengthen the F125 Baden-Württemberg air defense. Each ship is to receive 32 IRIS-T SLM Naval anti-aircraft missiles, which will significantly increase its self-defense capabilities against modern air threats.

IRIS-T SLM Naval for frigate F125

According to information provided by Diehl Defence, each F125 frigate will be equipped with two IRIS-T SLM Naval launchers. That gives 32 missiles per ship.

For the frigate type Baden-Württemberg it will be an important upgrade. The units were mainly designed for long-term expeditional and stabilization activities, so their anti-aircraft capabilities were limited primarily to short-range RIM-116 RAM kits.

Simplified launcher for ships

The IRIS-T SLM sea version is intended to use vertical launch containers installed directly on board. Unlike the land system, it will not require hydraulics or mechanisms to lift the launcher to the starting position.

In practice, this means simpler design and easier integration with existing ships. The solution is also intended to reduce mass whole system.

Trials on the Baden-Württemberg frigate

The marine variant of the system has already been tested during trials conducted on the frigate Baden-Württemberg. The tests were carried out during the Maritime Firing Exercise 2025 "Andøya" exercise off the coast of Norway.

According to Deutsche Marine, these were the largest rocket exercises of the German Navy in about 30 years. Attempts confirmed the possibility of using IRIS-T SLM on ships, opening the way for further work on Series version.

First prototype in 2027

Diehl Defence assumes the target launcher prototype will be ready in 2027. In parallel, talks are being held with the Federal Office for Equipment of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) concerning system integration with the new CMS 330 combat management system.

According to available information, F125 frigates are to be the first Deutsche Marine ships equipped with this system.

Strengthening air defence

The introduction of IRIS-T SLM Naval is to remove one of the most frequently pointed frigates of type F125. The missiles will enable combating aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft and manoeuvring missiles at far greater distances than the systems of self-defense currently used.

This does not mean that F125 ships will become specialised anti-aircraft frigates. However, modernisation will significantly increase their ability to operate in ship teams and self-defense against air hazard.